UK 18:57 Friday, 23 October 2026
Breaking news and expert analysis on fast-moving AIM and LSE listed shares
Disclosure: I have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from ShareProphets). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Today's podcast finds me in a panic as Oakley and I need to do frantic tidying before the Mrs returns to cover our respective sins. Meanwhile Tara the cat is also misbehaving. On the agenda - the great unravels at LGO Energy (LGO) but more especially Tribal Group (TRB) - the latter getting a thorough analysis. Then it is onto JQW (JQW), Alba Minerals (ALba) and the Horse Hill/Horse Shite prospect and Michelmersh Brick (MBH) which leaves me confused, perhaps Chris Bailey of Financial Orbit is geekish enough to assist?
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Comments
Chris Bailey
Re Michelmersh and its comment about lower volumes but higher prices/profits (that smells like pricing power to me), Tom is actually correct that I keep half an eye on the UK brick market… Anyone heard of Ibstock? Well they are intending to float and in their document outlining this http://www.investegate.co.uk/ibstock/rns/intention-to-float/201509280700523436A/ they noted “Ibstock is experiencing structural demand growth in its key UK brick market – this is driven by strong household formations, a significant shortage of homes and supportive government policies. Against this demand backdrop, the UK brick market is experiencing structural imbalances, with insufficient manufacturing capacity to fulfil UK demand. There are high barriers to new brick capacity, including access to clay reserves and manufacturing sites with appropriate planning permissions and the technical “know how” to procure and commission the plant and equipment required to manufacture bricks”.
Of course the market being what it is, higher prices will eventually attract more investment/supply etc. but – at least at this moment in time – it is a hot market for bricks.
Barford
Perhaps you could review Messaging International Plc since your last Bearcast mentioning them on 27th March, price dropped for no reason today by 20% down to 0.48 (mc of £0.55m).
I note last month they appointed a joint broker and the Israel based bank loan has ceased being drawable and the balance sheet is thin with a Globo Plc tint.
I predict a discounted placing ahoy
David Russell
BARORD, I hold Messaging and like most holding I have its all about luck like most AIM stock.The Bearcast Tom did on the 27th was short and based on the news of the day and not really about MES..I am not keen on the news about the joint broker for personnel reasons but cannot wait to see if I lose all my money on this one again. Its my biggest gamble and I hope they come good but will not hold my breath.:)
Barford
I feel for you Mr Russell as we too are shareholders (although tiny ones) I’m pretty sure that a placing is a coming just check the last reported figures and you’ll soon work it out! its too much like Globo for my liking.
Perhaps they can get a new loan deal but I’m not sure lenders will be too keen if they not generating income, in my humble opinion and I’m sure Tom would agree is investing is not about Luck and or a gamble it’s about doing your research and looking at the risks.
If I take it your gambled money is an amount you will miss or can’t afford to keep losing you need to look at more secure blue chips perhaps and take less risks.
The big problem is small investors have no voice and end up getting shafted too often so really until we get that sorted we all need to really do our homework and don’t risk anything you can’t afford to lose..
This company needs to do some management buyout of the private subsidiary and change the Plc to cash shell with perhaps Jim Mellon or similar at the helm.
David Russell
Barford, I canot comment on the figures but when I lose money its down to the people who run the company and not the business its self and the gamble is on the people who run it for me. I do a lot of research and both my kids am private investors but do not hold MES because they do not see value short or long term. I do see the value and also believe in the management but the last Rns on the joint broker and the smell of a restructuring of the capital and a placing made me feel I could be wrong. Cash shells do not work for people like you and me and am a cash cow for the well conected. Anyway Good Luck my mate and I hope we make some money but if not then just move onto the next.:) Good Luck
Barford
I wish you luck Mr Russell on your investment hopefully they can move into cash generative and clear their balance sheet up, anyway we have no intention of failing on this or others in the long run as this is what I do day to day though my investment company.
If it helps I’m on Twitter @Resnetuk and LinkedIn under barford asset management, im a firm believer that their is a investors revolution coming and its people like me and you/your children that will be part of it…..feel free to follow/add
David Russell
Thank you for the kind words i will add you on twitter. I stack shelfs in a local supermarket partime for the last 10 years but been a private investor for a lot longer. My son works for a large wealth firm I play the market for fun. I do make a lot of money from my investments compared to working filling shelfs at a supermarket which is not difficult and My accountant says Im a good stock picker but thats because I pay him loads LOL. Toms new bearcast on the 20th does not give me much hope on MES but we will see.:).LoL